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Rare 13 Star Revolutionary War Flag Sells For Record Amount
Rare 13 Star Flag Sold For a Record $212,500.00
PHILADELPHIA, PENN. — Two lots from the April 18 American furniture, folk and decorative arts sale at Freeman’s set auction records — a rare Eighteenth Century, 13-star flag, which realized $212,500, and a 1904 St Louis Olympic participation medal, which achieved $31,300.
The sale of the 13-star flag is the highest-known price realized for a flag of this kind — one which was constructed and used when the United States comprised only 13 states. This is the third consecutive time an auction record has been achieved for the sale of a flag at Freeman’s American furniture, folk and decorative arts auction over the last 18 months. The Grand Division of Color of the 8th Virginia Regiment achieved $422,500 in November 2012 and the historic USS Constitution colors from the collection of H. Richard Dietrich Jr realized $784,500 in April 2012.
Another first achieved by Freeman’s is the sale of the rare Olympic participation medal. Due to limited participation in the 1904 games, this medal is considered one of the rarest, and thereby, one of the most desirable.
“We are thrilled to have achieved a third auction record — and another first — for a rare flag at Freeman’s as well as a record for an Olympic medal. We’re honored to offer these historic objects at America’s oldest auction house,” said chairman Samuel “Beau” Freeman.
Added senior vice president and Americana department head Lynda Cain, “It’s very timely that Freeman’s sold this Olympic medal since Philadelphia recently threw its hat into the ring for the 2024 Olympics. Philadelphia is a city of firsts. Perhaps a summer games here, like the medal we sold, would break some records as well.”
Prices reported include the buyer’s premium.